sales@dropforging.netForging Methods of Aluminum Parts
Aluminum in its elemental form is a fairly soft and lightweight metal and is commonly alloyed with copper, magnesium, tin or zinc to increase its strength, durability, mass and workability. About 85% of aluminum parts are made by forging. Aluminum alloys are easily forgeable. Cast aluminum products are relatively low-cost due to its low melting point, however they do have lower tensile strength. Common forged aluminum alloys include: 6061, 6063, 6082, 7075, etc. Aluminum alloys are widely used in engineering applications and components where lightweight and resistance to corrosion is required. Forged aluminum parts are used in aerospace projects, automotive engine components, shipbuilding and other saltwater sensitive applications.
Aluminum parts are produced by closed die forging process, there are generally two types of forging methods involved, one is hot forging and the other is cold forging.
Hot Forging
Hot forging of aluminum alloys is a process in which aluminum bars are cut and heated to high temperature. After forging, the grain structure of aluminum is broken down and homogenized into finer grains, which enhances the yield strength, ductility, and toughness of the forged aluminum parts. Additionally, the hot forging process generates little to no material scrap, making it one of the most efficient production method. Working from your designs, our hot forging facility can produce high quality aluminum parts that meet your unique requirements.
Cold Forging
Cold forging is also workable to creat aluminum parts because aluminum is soft and easy to work with. Cold forging is typically less expensive than hot forging, produces a precision product that requires little finish work, and is often used for symmetrical items. Aluminum cold forging process begins when aluminum bar stock is bent to shape, then smashed in a die to refine the shape. Because aluminum material is soft, heat treatment is suggested to strengthen forged aluminum parts.
Hot Forging or Cold Forging for Aluminum Parts?
After understanding hot forging and cold forging methods, many people may still doubt the selection of forging methods of aluminum parts. Generally, cold forging is selected only when the shape of aluminum parts are simple and regular. Due to the expensive mold cost of cold forging, there is a high requirement on order quantity, normally above 30,000pcs. For irregular aluminum parts, hot forging is recommended, and most of the forged aluminum parts will be further machined to get finished parts. Both hot forged and cold forged aluminum parts could be heat treated and anodized when necessary. CFS Forge is professional on forging all types of aluminum parts. If you have any inquiry on forging of aluminum alloys, pls contact us timely!
Aluminum parts are produced by closed die forging process, there are generally two types of forging methods involved, one is hot forging and the other is cold forging.
Hot Forging
Cold Forging
Cold forging is also workable to creat aluminum parts because aluminum is soft and easy to work with. Cold forging is typically less expensive than hot forging, produces a precision product that requires little finish work, and is often used for symmetrical items. Aluminum cold forging process begins when aluminum bar stock is bent to shape, then smashed in a die to refine the shape. Because aluminum material is soft, heat treatment is suggested to strengthen forged aluminum parts.
Hot Forging or Cold Forging for Aluminum Parts?
After understanding hot forging and cold forging methods, many people may still doubt the selection of forging methods of aluminum parts. Generally, cold forging is selected only when the shape of aluminum parts are simple and regular. Due to the expensive mold cost of cold forging, there is a high requirement on order quantity, normally above 30,000pcs. For irregular aluminum parts, hot forging is recommended, and most of the forged aluminum parts will be further machined to get finished parts. Both hot forged and cold forged aluminum parts could be heat treated and anodized when necessary. CFS Forge is professional on forging all types of aluminum parts. If you have any inquiry on forging of aluminum alloys, pls contact us timely!